A True Picture of the Famous Skreen Describ’d in the London Journal No. 85
Frontispiece from Callot Revived
The World in Masquerade
Anonymous, 1720, Etching and engraving
Assuming their places on an extravagant proscenium tricked out as a lavish ballroom are several well-known stock characters from the commedia dell’arte tradition. Among those joining them on stage are a doctor, clergyman, coachman, Spaniard, Turk, bishop, and Quaker woman. The setting and range of characters refer not only to the broad swath of men and women who were duped by elaborate fictions of limitless wealth, but also to the varied roles they played in performing the bubbles’ tragic outcomes. Banners in Dutch and English above the title convey a sense of a world in thrall to illusory experience.
: Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs
The New York Public Library believes that this item is in the public domain under the laws of the United States, but did not make a determination as to its copyright status under the copyright laws of other countries. This item may not be in the public domain under the laws of other countries.
